The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Legal Action in TBI Cases

 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. For those affected, early diagnosis and immediate legal action are crucial in ensuring they receive proper care and compensation. This article discusses the significance of identifying TBI symptoms early and highlights the importance of hiring experienced legal representation.

Early Diagnosis is Key

TBIs are often difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can be subtle or delayed. Some common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems. Without prompt medical attention, these symptoms can worsen over time, leading to long-term health problems.

• Early medical intervention can prevent worsening symptoms.
• Proper diagnosis ensures victims receive the appropriate care and treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBI contributed to over 64,000 deaths in the United States in 2020 alone . Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in reducing these numbers and improving outcomes for survivors.

Importance of Prompt Legal Action and Compensation

Aside from medical attention, taking prompt legal action is equally important in TBI cases. Victims of TBI, particularly those injured in car accidents or other personal injury incidents, often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs. It is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation.

Key reasons to act quickly include:

• Preserving evidence: Over time, evidence can be lost or become less reliable, making it harder to build a strong case.
• Statute of limitations: In most states, there is a limited time to file a claim after an injury, making early action vital.
• Financial burden: The costs of medical treatment, therapy, and lost wages can accumulate rapidly, making it crucial to seek compensation as soon as possible.

An experienced accident lawyer can help TBI victims navigate the complexities of legal proceedings while ensuring they receive the full compensation they are entitled to.

TBI and Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of TBI in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2.5 million people suffer from TBIs caused by motor vehicle accidents each year . A qualified car accident attorney can help victims of car crashes who sustain TBIs by fighting for the compensation they deserve.

When involved in a car accident that leads to TBI:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Document the accident and injuries thoroughly.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer in Chester or Delaware County PA

These steps can ensure that victims receive the proper care and protect their legal rights.

The Long-Term Effects of TBI

TBIs can have lasting impacts on a person's health, career, and quality of life. Victims may experience cognitive challenges, emotional difficulties, and physical limitations that can hinder their ability to work or function independently. Early intervention and legal action are crucial to securing the resources needed for long-term care.

Some TBI-related statistics highlight the severity of these injuries:

• Approximately 5.3 million Americans are living with a TBI-related disability .
• TBI is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults, with many cases linked to car accidents .

Protecting Your Rights and Future

Taking immediate legal action can be the difference between financial security and struggling with overwhelming medical expenses. Hiring a skilled accident lawyer is vital for navigating complex legal claims and ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Whether a TBI results from a car accident or another type of personal injury, having a knowledgeable legal team on your side can help protect your rights and provide peace of mind during a challenging time.

Contact Us Today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/importance-of-early-diagnosis-and-legal-action-in-tbi-cases/

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How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can significantly impact the success of your case. With many options available, knowing how to narrow down the search is essential for making an informed decision.

Evaluate Experience and Expertise

The first step in choosing a lawyer is to assess their experience in personal injury cases. Not all attorneys specialize in personal injury law, so it is crucial to find one who has a strong background in this area. For example, you can look for reputable Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers who have a proven track record of handling similar cases. Consider asking potential attorneys the following questions:

• How many personal injury cases have they handled?
• What percentage of their practice is dedicated to personal injury law?
• Have they taken any cases to trial?

Attorneys with years of experience and a high percentage of personal injury cases in their practice are more likely to deliver favorable outcomes.

Consider Specialization in Specific Cases

Different types of personal injury cases require varying expertise. For example, if you have been involved in a car accident, you may want to seek out a car accident attorney who specializes in automobile-related injuries. Specialized lawyers have a deeper understanding of the laws, regulations, and common defense strategies specific to your case type, which can improve your chances of winning compensation.

Reputation and Client Reviews

An attorney’s reputation is a strong indicator of their ability to handle your case effectively. Reputable Personal Injury Lawyers in Chester and Delaware County PA often have numerous positive client reviews and testimonials. These reviews can give you insight into the lawyer’s communication style, level of professionalism, and case results. Check online reviews, or ask for references during your consultation to ensure you are making the right decision.

Additionally, research shows that attorneys with strong reputations can settle cases faster and with higher compensation amounts. In fact, statistics show that individuals represented by personal injury lawyers tend to recover 3.5 times more compensation than those who represent themselves (source).

Communication and Availability

Effective communication between you and your attorney is essential throughout the process. A skilled accident lawyer should be responsive, willing to answer questions, and keep you informed about your case’s progress. When selecting a lawyer, consider how easily they are reachable and whether they take the time to explain legal jargon in a way that is easy to understand.

Look for these signs during your initial consultation:

• Are they listening to your concerns?
• Do they answer your questions thoroughly?
• Are they accessible via phone or email when needed?

Fee Structure and Costs

Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. However, the percentage they take may vary. Make sure you fully understand the lawyer's fee structure, including any additional costs for services such as expert witnesses or court fees. Some lawyers may charge different rates depending on whether the case goes to trial or is settled out of court.

Red Flags to Avoid

While it is important to focus on finding a lawyer with the right qualifications, it is also crucial to recognize warning signs that may indicate poor representation. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Lack of communication or delayed responses
• Promises of a guaranteed outcome (no lawyer can promise a specific result)
• Limited experience in personal injury law

These signs could indicate that the attorney may not be the best fit for your case.

Personalized Legal Support is Key

Selecting the right personal injury lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Be sure to assess the lawyer’s experience, reputation, communication skills, and fee structure before making a final decision. Finding a qualified attorney can be the difference between receiving a fair settlement and struggling to cover your expenses after an accident.

Contact Us Today for a complimentary consultation.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/how-to-choose-the-right-personal-injury-lawyer/

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Common Types of Car Accident Injuries: Legal Rights and Pursuing Compensation

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, it is important to understand the legal implications of car accident injuries. Car accidents can be life-altering events, and the road to recovery, both physical and financial, can be long and challenging. This article explores common types of car accident injuries and how an accident lawyer, a personal injury law firm, or a car wreck attorney can assist you in navigating these complexities.

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries. Whiplash is a very common injury that occurs in car accidents. It happens when the head is quickly thrown forward and then backward, causing damage to the neck's soft tissues. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. An experienced car wreck attorney can help you claim compensation for such injuries, especially if they lead to long-term discomfort or disability.

2. Broken Bones and Fractures. The impact of a car collision often results in broken bones or fractures, particularly in the limbs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries can be severely debilitating, requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Working with a skilled personal injury law firm ensures that you receive the necessary compensation to cover medical expenses and loss of income during recovery.

3. Head and Brain Injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious consequences of car accidents, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The effects of a TBI can be long-lasting, and may impact your ability to work or lead a normal life. Legal assistance is vital in securing adequate compensation for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of quality of life.

4. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis. Injuries to the spinal cord can have devastating consequences, including partial or full paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care. An experienced accident lawyer can help ensure that you are compensated for these life-altering injuries.

5. Emotional Trauma and Mental Health Issues. Car accidents do not just leave physical scars; they can also lead to emotional trauma and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. It is important to recognize these as legitimate injuries for which you can seek compensation.

Navigating Legal Rights and Compensation. Understanding your legal rights following a car accident in Pennsylvania is crucial. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced accident lawyer or personal injury law firm will guide you through the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your best interests in court if necessary.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Delaware County, Chester County, or West Chester, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

For a 30-minute complimentary consultation, feel free to Contact Us.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/common-types-of-car-accident-injuries-legal-rights-and-pursuing-compensation/

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Types of Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

It can be easy to brush-off injuries sustained in a car accident, especially when it is a seemingly minor crash like a fender bender. However, an accident does not have to be catastrophic for motorists and passengers to suffer serious injury. Understanding how common injuries can affect your health and quality of life may help you make informed choices about how to proceed after a crash. Discussing your case with a car accident attorney won’t cost you anything, and can help you determine whether or not you have a viable claim and protect your rights and interests. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash – This is the most common injury that occurs when someone is involved in a car accident. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions, as occupants of a vehicle are usually taken by surprise and do not have time to brace themselves or hold onto anything. When a vehicle hits you from behind, your head suddenly jerks forward then backward. This may strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck, upper back and shoulders. This jerking motion can also affect your spine. Symptoms of neck and back injuries like whiplash include headaches, blurred vision, decreased range of motion, and severe and/or chronic pain in the neck, shoulders and back.  

Back and spine injuries – These types of injuries can range from mild sprains and strains to life-changing catastrophic injuries that may leave an injured victim permanently paralyzed. Herniated discs, fractures, and other spinal injuries are often painful and can have a serious short- and long-term impact on your overall health and mobility. 

Head injuries – Severe blows to the head can cause concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Chronic headaches, reduced ability to concentrate, changes in mood, and reduced cognitive function are just a few repercussions that can occur due to a serious brain injury. If you or someone you love is suffering from a head, neck, or spine injury after a crash, seeking the counsel of an experienced accident lawyer who can assess your case and advise you of your options is critical to protecting your health and financial security. 

Lacerations – Broken glass, airbags, and hard or sharp edges inside or outside of a vehicle can cause serious cuts and wounds that may require surgery, a long healing process, and leave permanent scarring.  The after-effects of these injuries can be emotionally challenging as well, especially if a victim has been disfigured. 

Fractures – Broken bones are often the result of high-speed impact crashes. Depending on the severity of the accident, the victim may suffer serious compound fractures, crushed bones, and broken ribs. These injuries can also lead to life-threatening internal bleeding and require immediate medical care. 

Always Seek Medical Attention After an Accident

Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as you can after an accident. Some symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks later. The sooner you get checked-out by a doctor the better – early detection and treatment of injuries may improve your chances of a full recovery. 

Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of being injured in an accident is challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. Contact our accident lawyers in Chester County, PA  to find how they can obtain the justice you deserve.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/types-of-injuries-sustained-in-car-accidents/

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How Personal Injury Attorneys Prove Truck Driver Negligence

Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks can be life-altering. Even if you believe a truck driver was responsible for causing a crash, proving negligence in these types of cases can be challenging. Trucking companies and their insurers typically refuse to admit that their driver was at fault, so it is critical to hire a top car accident lawyer who understands how to prove negligence in these types of complex cases.

Causes of Truck Accidents Involving Truck Driver Negligence

Drowsy Driving – Even the most experienced truck driver can become impaired when driving while fatigued, Unfortunately, many trucking companies push drivers to make challenging deadlines and drive long hours without resting, leading to thousands of truck accidents each year.

Intoxication – Truck drivers who use drugs or drink pose a serious danger on the road. Impaired driving can lead to delayed reaction times, lack of coordination, reduced concentration, impaired vision, and poor judgment.  Many accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Truckers in this condition have delayed reaction times and often cannot avoid an accident.

Lack of experience or training – Truck drivers must be well-trained to properly maneuver large vehicles. Inexperienced, untrained drivers who do not have an understanding of how to handle hazards and potentially dangerous situations can cause significant injuries and fatalities.

Distracted driving – A truck driver can be distracted by their phone, equipment, work logs, or maps. Truck drivers who take their eyes off the road for just a few seconds can cause serious truck accidents including multi-car pileups, which can hurt or kill multiple parties.

Speeding and/or reckless driving – Reckless or aggressive driving and speeding cause thousands of needless accidents each year. When a trucker engages in these types of hazardous behaviors, the consequences can be deadly.

Truck Driver Negligence and Duty of Care

There are four elements to proving negligence in a truck accident case:

• The truck driver a duty of care
• The truck driver breached that duty
• An innocent victim sustained injuries
• The victim’s losses and injuries happened because of the breach of duty

Multiple parties may be liable in a truck driver negligence accident claim, including the truck driver and trucking company.

Investigating Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident claims are complex and require extensive investigation. Truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties involved in the transportation of cargo must follow regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Personal injury lawyers who have experience handling these types of cases understand that comprehensive evaluation of the truck driver’s and trucking company’s records is vital to establishing fault and determining whether FMCSA regulations have been violated. A truck accident attorney may use expert witnesses with a background in the trucking industry to identify inconsistencies, errors, and omissions that could indicate misconduct or negligence. Examples of evidence that can be used to prove truck driver negligence include:

• The driving and training records of the driver
• The truck driver’s medical records
• Logbooks, which include the number of hours driven, stops, breaks, and other information
• The truck’s black box recorder, which keeps track of travel and engine data
• Cell phone records
• Truck maintenance records
• Evidence of previous accidents or claims

Photos of the scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, police reports, and other valuable evidence can also help your lawyer prove negligence. An experienced accident lawyer will know how to determine which parties may be liable for damages, and to put all the evidence together to form a solid claim.

If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact an attorney.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-personal-injury-attorneys-prove-truck-driver-negligence/

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Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

 

Apps like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to get around town, but what happens if you are involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle? Whether you are injured as a passenger, motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist, it is important to know who may be liable for damages. You may be required to file claims with multiple insurance companies, so having a good car accident attorney in your corner is vital.

Determining Liability in Rideshare Accident Cases

Like any other motor vehicle accident, crashes involving rideshare drivers must be investigated to determine who was at fault. Although Uber and Lyft both carry $1 million liability insurance policies, you may have to file a claim with the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance company, another motorist’s insurer, or even your own car insurance.  

An accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, determine who may be at fault for your injuries, and help you recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Filing multiple insurance claims can be a stressful, complicated  process. When more than one insurance company is involved, they may even join forces to minimize or deny your claim. Your lawyer can handle all negotiations with insurers and help to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

If You Are Injured in a Rideshare Accident

Although rideshare companies carry liability insurance, there are certain factors that can influence whether you can recover compensation from them after a crash. For example, the driver must be logged into the app and “on the clock” when the accident occurred. If they are not, you may have to seek recovery from the driver’s personal auto insurance.  

If another motorist is partially or solely at fault, their insurance should cover the cost of your damages. Depending on the circumstances, where you live, and the specifics of your policy, you may have to file a Medical Payments, Personal Injury Protection, and/or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claim with your own auto insurance company. Each case is unique. Finding a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling rideshare accident cases can help to ensure your rights and interests are fully protected.

Steps to Take If You are Involved in a Rideshare Accident

After any crash, taking certain steps can help preserve valuable evidence and ensure you receive the medical care you need. Regardless of how the crash occurred, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and your well-being.

•    Call 911 and wait for first responders to arrive
•    Seek medical attention
•    Get the name, contact information, and insurance information from the rideshare driver and any other motorists who were involved in the accident
•    Report the crash to the rideshare company as soon as possible. The most convenient way to do this is by using their app or website
•    Take pictures of the scene, damage to vehicles, and your injuries
•    If possible, obtain a police report at the scene
•    Keep all accident-related medical records, bills, and receipts in a safe place
•    Make sure to save any texts, emails, or other correspondence from the rideshare company, driver, and their insurers
•    Before speaking with insurance adjusters, signing anything, or accepting a settlement, contact a car accident attorney.

There is no need to rush to determine who is at fault or to accept the first settlement offer that comes along. Contact a rideshare accident attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you of your options.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/who-is-liable-in-a-rideshare-accident/

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What to Do if You're the Victim of a Hit and Run

Being injured in a car accident is often a traumatic experience. It can be especially challenging when you or a loved one is the victim of a hit-and -run driver. Many people who are hurt in hit-and-run accidents do not know where to turn or what to do to find the driver or to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages. Following a crash with a hit-and-run driver, it is vital to act fast to protect your health and finances.

Hit-and-Run Accidents Are on the Rise

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of hit-and-run crashes in the United States is rising at an alarming pace. In 2016, there were a total of 1,980 fatal hit-and-run accidents, which resulted in 2,049 deaths. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Pennsylvania. If a hit-and-run driver seriously injures or kills someone, it can be charged as a felony.

Steps to Take Following an Accident

If you are involved in a crash with someone who leaves the scene of the accident, call 911 immediately. The sooner you can give police a description of the vehicle, driver, and license plate (if possible), the better. Ask any witnesses for their contact information and write down everything you remember about how the accident occurred. Take photos of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away, so it is best to get checked-out at the ER or physician’s office.

Taking these steps helps preserve valuable evidence that can lead to finding the negligent driver and provides proof of the accident and your injuries to your insurance company.

How to Recover Compensation When a Driver Cannot Be Found

Even if the hit-and-run driver is not found, your own auto insurance company may provide compensation through your PIP (personal injury protection) and uninsured motorist coverage (UM). Adding adequate amounts of this coverage to your car insurance policy is well worth the cost to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Your medical insurance may also cover all or some of your medical expenses.

When you call your insurance company, it is important to keep in mind that it is not looking-out for your best interests. Whether you are seeking coverage from your own policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, most insurance companies try to pay minimal settlement amounts, and they may deny your claim. This is just one reason why contacting a car accident attorney is a good idea if you have been the victim of a hit and run.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating, especially when you are hurt and trying to heal. An auto accident attorney can handle all communications with your insurance company and negotiate aggressively to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation to which you may be entitled. Your accident lawyer will also ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and presented to support your claim.

Traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, vehicle and driver descriptions, and license plate numbers can help law enforcement find a hit-and-run driver. If police hit a dead end, your attorney may enlist the help of private investigators to track-down the negligent motorist.

If the hit-and-run driver is found, you may bring a lawsuit against him or her to recover compensation for your medical expenses, past and future loss of income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the driver was intoxicated or acting in a reckless manner, you may be entitled to punitive damages as well. The best personal injury lawyers pursue all possible sources of compensation to help you get the care you need and to protect your financial future.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/what-to-do-if-youre-the-victim-of-a-hit-and-run/

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Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

 

Property and business owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe, which includes outdoor areas such as sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots as well. Being hurt in a slip and fall accident can have serious repercussions. Injured victims often wonder how they will pay their medical bills, make up for lost time off work, and care for their families. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident that was due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights.

Seek Medical Attention

After any accident, it is critical to receive medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, symptoms of a condition may not appear until days or weeks later. Visiting the emergency room or seeing a doctor soon after your injury can help to ensure you get the care you need, and provide valuable evidence that a good injury lawyer can use to back up your claim down the road. Keep all bills and receipts for any treatment and medications you receive, transportation to and from appointments, and any other accident-related expenses.

Take Photographs or Video

Photos and video of the premises provide concrete evidence of dangerous conditions. Take photos of the area in which you fell and any hazards that may have caused you to slip, trip, or fall. It is also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries. If you are unable to take photos yourself, ask a bystander or someone with you to snap a few pictures.

Jot Down or Dictate Notes

Write down everything you remember about how the incident happened while it is still fresh in your mind. If you do not have a pen and paper handy, use the recorder on your phone to document what happened.

Gather Contact Information from Witnesses

Ask any potential witnesses for their names and phone numbers. Even if a person did not see you fall, he or she may have seen the negligent act or dangerous condition that caused your injury. For example, if you are shopping in a grocery store and slip on water from a cooler that is leaking onto the floor, other customers and workers may have seen the water there before you fell and became injured.

Make an Incident Report

Ask to make an incident report with the manager or owner of the business or property. Provide only factual information on the report. Do not say anything that could be construed as a fault on your part. Make sure to obtain a copy of the report before you leave. If a manager or owner is not available, ask for their name and phone number.

Do Not Give a Statement or Sign Anything from an Insurance Adjuster

It is vital to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They will do almost anything to pay as little as possible or deny claims altogether. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not speak to them, sign anything, or accept a settlement before contacting a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer.

Contact an Accident Attorney

An accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of the most effective course of action to recover compensation. He or she will gather evidence to support your claim and handle all negotiations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will act as your staunch advocate and fight to help you get the maximum compensation you need and deserve. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you do not have to worry about incurring any up-front costs, even if you do not move forward with your claim.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/steps-to-take-after-a-slip-and-fall-accident/

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8 Reasons You Should Hire an Attorney for a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident

If you are injured while riding a bicycle or as a pedestrian, you should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. There are eight good reasons why it’s important to act quickly to hire an experienced attorney in these cases:

1.    Injuries are more severe. Because, as a cyclist or a pedestrian, you are totally exposed to the vehicle that hit you as well as to the ground, road surface or sidewalk. It’s possible you were “pinned” between them, and this produces greater trauma than if you had the protection of a vehicle around you. As a pedestrian, severe injuries can occur if the car is going as slowly as 10 miles per hour; pedestrian fatalities can occur when the car is traveling just 30 miles per hour

2.    At first, you may not know how badly you are hurt. If you are injured as a cyclist or pedestrian, and are conscious or even walking after the accident, you are likely to just be glad you survived. In your relief, you may not realize how badly you are injured. An experienced attorney knows that there may be serious injuries and long-term adverse ramifications that you do not grasp at the moment.

3.    You are not thinking clearly.  No matter if your injuries are minor or severe, you will be traumatized by the unexpected impact of a motor vehicle. This trauma will have an immediate effect on your ability to think clearly and act on your own best behalf. A personal injury attorney can take charge in a clear-headed and experienced manner.

4.    Insurance companies are not your friend. As with any type of accident, you should not have a conversation with an insurance company representative before speaking with your attorney. Good car accident lawyers know that insurance companies are not looking out for your best interest. Insurance companies usually are looking to minimize the amount of compensation they will have to pay. Do not say anything about your injuries, how you are feeling, or what actions you might be taking in the future before consulting with your attorney.

5.    You must be checked out professionally. The only way to know the extent of your injuries is to be checked thoroughly by medical professionals. This may include medical testing to determine if you have internal injuries or some hidden issue that could impair you in the future. Your attorney will ensure that you are checked-out thoroughly by credentialed medical professionals.

6.    Who pays for medical bills upfront? This is a good question, and your attorney will know the answer. States have differing laws on this; in some states, the driver’s insurance company is required to pay the medical bills for a cyclist or pedestrian the driver may have hit. As noted earlier, it’s likely for a cyclist or pedestrian to have more severe injuries, and the question of who will pay for immediate medical bills is a very important one.

7.    Recovering losses: your bike. For a person who is not a cyclist, it’s easy to consider your bicycle to be “just a bike.” Yet any experienced cyclist knows that bikes come in a wide range of price tags. Insurance adjusters usually are not well-versed in bicycle valuations and may drastically downgrade the amount of your loss. It’s even worse if the adjuster recommends repairing your bike, as bicycles involved in a car accident generally cannot be restored to their previous condition. Your attorney will take action to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the loss of your bike.

8.    Recovering losses for injuries and long-term ramifications. It’s very difficult to calculate a fair compensation for injuries suffered, particularly those with long-term ramifications. An experienced accident lawyer will protect your interests by professionally valuing your claim and by seeking fair compensation for a cyclist or pedestrian.

If you have been injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact Perna & Abracht LLC for a thorough evaluation of your case and your best next steps.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/8-reasons-you-should-hire-an-attorney-for-a-bicycle-or-pedestrian-accident/

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